Methadone maintenance reduces HIV infections in Spain

According to a study published in The Bulletin of the World Health Organization (WHO), heroin dependence treatment is reducing HIV infections in Spain.

Laws passed in 1990 and 1996 made methadone treatment available. The study found that as a result of these laws, the number of new HIV infections has dwindled from an annual average of 6,200 in the early 1990's to 690 new infections in 2010.

Marta Torrens, lead author and researcher of the report, explained to Gerry Adams that the heroin epidemic began in the 1970s. Back then, the only treatment for addicts was based on abstinence, which led to many patients relapsing.